in good MVhealthnews.com
Horror of PTSD
September 2017 • Issue 139
Paige Pavlot, licensed massage therapist and owner of From the Heart Holistics in Utica, advocates for natural ways of treatment. Page 18
free
Mohawk Valley’s Health Care Newspaper
A look inside a devastating disorder Page 5
Online terrorism
Dr. Salina Suy, right, is joined by her assistant, Kayla Almond, at her new dental practice in Utica. Page 10
September is National Recovery Month Kathy Peters leads efforts at the Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc., Utica.
It’sAreback-to-school time! your youngsters ready to hit the books
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in a healthy way?
Villians take to cyberspace filled with evil intentions. Don’t fall for it!
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Men’s Health Special Edition Naeem Samad, left, a specialist in urology with the Slocum-Dickson Medical Group in New Hartford, breaks down the importance of nipping prostate cancer in the bud.
Exorbitant cost of smoking Your money is literally going up in smoke. Page 6
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Celebrating 10 years of practice Cathryn J. Barns RN MS FNP ANP-C
Specializing in diseases of the skin, including acne, warts, moles, skin cancer, rashes, psoriasis, eczema, skin infections, sun damages, hair and nail disease
1 Notre Dame Lane Utica, NY 13502
315-733-7913 We continue to be located next to Notre Dame High School Provider Cathryn J. Barns, ANP-C, FNP
CALENDAR of
HEALTH EVENTS
Got a health-related activity or event that you would like publicized? Call Lou Sorendo at 315-749-7070 or email lou@cnymail.com. Mondays
Food Addicts in Recovery to meet Food Addicts in Recovery holds an anonymous meeting from 6:308 p.m. Mondays at Trinity United Methodist Church, 8595 Westmoreland Road, Whitesboro. For more information, call Helen at 315-794-2314.
Tuesdays
Insight House offers family support group
Community Information Seminar:
Bariatric Surgery
September 13, 2017 • 6:00 p.m. Presented by
January Hill, MD
Insight House Chemical Dependency Services, Inc. is offering a family support group meeting from 6:15-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Insight House, 500 Whitesboro St., Utica. The group is free and open to anyone who is concerned about a loved one’s relationship with alcohol, opiates/heroin, or other substances. For more information about the group, call 724-5168, ext. 265, from 8:30-4 p.m. weekdays. All calls are strictly confidential.
Utica Business Park 125 Business Park Drive, Suite 150, Utica, NY The offices of William A. Graber, MD, PC
Wednesdays/Thursdays
To register call 315-235-2540 or toll free 877-269-0355
Overeaters Anonymous meets from 5:30-6:30 p.m. every Wednesday in Room 101 (first floor) at Rome Memorial Hospital, 1500 James St., Rome. It also meets from 7-8 p.m. every Thursday at Oneida Baptist Church, 242 Main St., Oneida. Participants are asked to use the rear door. There are no dues, fees, weighins or diets. For more information, call OA at 315-468-1588 or visit oa.org.
Overeaters Anonymous plans meetings
Aug. 29
Home and Hospital Medical Supplies
Newly Removed Space for all your Needs & Special Footwear Needs Home and Hospital Medical Supplies New Hartford Shopping Center www.homeandhospitalmedical.com
315-724-6767
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Caregiver support groups to assemble The Oneida County Office for the Aging/Continuing Care will be hosting two caregiver support group presentations. The upcoming caregiver support groups are scheduled for Aug. 29 and Sept. 6. The Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter will present an educational session for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia called “Healthy Living for your Brain and Body — Tips From the Latest Research” from 6-7 p.m. Aug. 29. Advance registration is required for this program only. Call 315-6174025 ext. 100 to register. RoseMarie Taylor, president of
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2017
the Central NY Parkinson’s Support Group, will be giving a presentation on Parkinson’s disease from 6-7 p.m. Sept. 6. All events will be held at the North Utica Community Center, 50 Riverside Drive, Utica, N.Y. 13502. For more information on the monthly support groups and services for caregivers, call 315-798-5456.
Sept. 7
Parents bond to battle addiction A support group — Parents of Addicted Loved Ones — meets from 7-8:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of every month at the Canajoharie Fire House, 75 Erie Boulevard, Canajoharie. The next meetings are Sept. 7 and Sept. 21. The support group is for parents with a son or daughter who is addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. PAL is a non-profit organization run by a volunteer board of parents. For more information, visit www. palgroup.org or call PAL at 480-3004712.
Sept. 11
Support forum for patients, cancer survivors The Mohawk Valley Health System’s Cancer Center’s monthly support forum for patients and cancer survivors will be held at 6 p.m. Sept. 11. The cancer support forum meets at 6 p.m. on the second Monday of every month in the Cancer Center’s fireplace lounge on the main floor of Faxton Campus, 1676 Sunset Ave., Utica. The forum, led by the Cancer Center’s social worker, offers support to anyone who has received a cancer diagnosis. Light refreshments will be served. For more information or to RSVP, call 315-624-5241.
Sept. 11
Support group to meet at RMH The brain aneurysm, AVM (arteriovenous malformation) and stroke support group will meet from 5:30-7 p.m. Aug. 14 at Rome Memorial Hospital’s second-floor classroom. The group meets on the second Monday of every month. RMH is located at 1500 N. James St., Rome. For more information, call Deb Dunn at 315-533-6467 or email RomeNY@JoeNiekroFoundation.org.
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Online Terror
Demons lurk in the unchartered waters of the Internet
you to send him a package, that is a huge red flag. — If you plan to meet, do it in a public location; keep your alcohol consumption to a minimum.
By Kristen Raab
O
ur lives have become incredibly electronic, and while technology has many benefits, it also involves unprecedented dangers. Stalking has become easier with spyware and keystroke loggers, more people are meeting on dating sites than ever before, and online harassment has become more commonplace than anyone could have predicted. Luckily, there are solutions for anyone who experiences the pitfalls of this new world.
Online dating
A Pew poll in 2015 confirmed that 15 percent of people have used online dating services as they are a convenient way to meet potential partners. However, there are safety concerns. You may feel a connection to a person you interact with online, but Steve Kardian, certified New York state and FBI defensive tactics instructor, said, “The only thing that you know about the person you are dealing with online is that they have access to a computer, nothing more.” Advice — “I suggest using a paid service” because free websites “are the worst for cat fishing.” Kardian also recommends turning off the location tracker on mobile
Stalking and domestic violence
dating apps. Kardian has over 30 years in law enforcement. He is the founder of Defend University, which focuses on intuition, understanding predator’s mindsets, creating a plan of action, and self-defense among other strategies. Kardian is also the author of “The New Superpower for Women.” He offers the following tips for women dating online: — Run a general Internet search of his name and see what comes up. — Consider creating an email account specific for online dating. The account should not reveal your full name. — Anyone rushing you for any reason should be considered suspect, — If he can’t send you a picture instantly or doesn’t have access to a webcam, that is a red flag. — If he asks for money or wants
In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control stated roughly 15 percent of women in America have been victims of stalking. There is no doubt that the prevalence of social media has increased stalking cases. Victims of domestic violence are often stalked via cell phones, fitness trackers, and online activities. One’s location can be monitored, which is commonly done through social media apps. Advice — Routinely clear your Internet history, don’t use the same passwords for multiple sites, and change your passwords often. Be aware that some stalkers will contact people you know. “He can also create blogs, writing messages or stories that assault your character,” Kardian said. If this happens to you, request removal from the blog hosts. “Other sites are more difficult and will require action by the court,” Kardian notes. Permit only people you trust access to your social media information by adjusting your privacy settings. Romantic partners may also turn
September 2017 •
to stalking in an attempt to control you. Kardian says there may not be red flags. Sometimes however, “You may notice that he is more interested in who you are interacting with, including checking your phone and computer,” Kardian said. Your partner may also check up on you at work or when you are out with friends. “He may ask particularly probing questions about where and who you have been with and it may elevate to accusations,” Kardian said. “If you feel that something is wrong, tell someone, and seek help from domestic violence organizations and law enforcement.
Online harassment, real world assaults
Unwanted advances, threats, and revenge porn are a few of the most common ways women experience online harassment. As women, we are either taught or intrinsically know to stop unwanted advances from men politely, and by telling these men that we have boyfriends regardless of if we are single. I, like most women, have experienced harassment online and in the real world without provocation. The example that is vivid for me is from when Myspace was popular. A young man wrote to tell me he found my profile “very open” and then threatened sexual assault. Recently, a close friend received unprovoked Facebook messages that were sexually explicit from a man she did not know. Some readers might
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Meet
Certain Jobs Linked to Raised Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Manufacturing jobs, bricklayers at higher risk of developing condition
R
isk was doubled among men who did electrical work, and tripled among bricklayers, study finds Rheumatoid arthritis, a painful disease in which a person’s immune system attacks the joints, appears to be more common among people in certain types of jobs, researchers suggest. The findings “indicate that work-related factors, such as airborne harmful exposures, may contribute to disease development,” study author Anna Ilar said. She is a doctoral student in epidemiology at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. The study looked at more than 3,500 people in Sweden with rheumatoid arthritis, and nearly 5,600 people without the disease. Among men, those in manufacturing jobs had a higher risk of rheumatoid arthritis than those in the professional, administrative and technical sectors, the findings showed. The risk was twice as high for electrical and electronics workers, and three times higher for bricklayers and concrete workers. Among women, assistant nurses and attendants had a slightly higher risk, but women in manufacturing jobs did not. The researchers suspect that’s because fewer women than men work in manufacturing. More study is needed to zero in on the exposures that may be involved, Ilar noted. Potential culprits include silica, asbestos, organic solvents and engine exhaust. The report was published online Aug. 10 in the journal Arthritis Care & Research. “It is important that findings on preventable risk factors are spread to employees, employers, and decision-makers in order to prevent disease by reducing or eliminating known risk factors,” Ilar said in a journal news release. The researchers said they accounted for lifestyle factors associated with rheumatoid arthritis, such as body fat, smoking, alcohol use and education level. However, while the study found an association between certain occupations and rheumatoid arthritis risk, it didn’t prove a cause-and-effect relationship.
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Your Doctor
By Chris Motola
Srinevas Reddy, M.D.
Cancer doctor from Roswell Park Cancer Institute now providing services to patients at Oneida Healthcare, a hospital that’s building a comprehensive cancer program Q: Since I caught you while you’re driving to Oneida, tell us about the partnership between Roswell Park Cancer Institute and Oneida Healthcare. A: The partnership is a joint initiative between Roswell Park and Oneida Healthcare to start a cancer center. The idea is to provide better access to patients living in rural New York. The state granted Oneida funds to build a comprehensive program in partnership with Roswell Park. Q: How did you become involved personally? A: I’ve been at Roswell for about a year and a half and one of the things that I’ve done in the time I’ve been there is outreach, where I meet physicians to talk about the care that I provide for patients with complex liver, bile duct and gallbladder problems. One of the things I’ve long recognized as a barrier for patients with these problems that prevents them from getting appropriate care is access. Once I learned of this partnership, I jumped at the opportunity to help set up a clinic in Oneida so that we could provide more convenient and direct patient care. Q: Given that you’re commuting from Buffalo, are you going to be involved long term, or just for the setup? A: This is something that I envision doing long term. Right now I go every other week, but starting this month I’ll be going every week. Our teams are working to open the chemo-infusion center and launch collaborative medical-oncology services onsite. So this is definitely a long-term thing for me.
A: Absolutely. One of the things I’m committed to is the idea that, when possible, care should be delivered locally. It’s more convenient for the patient, provides a better quality of life. I’m very committed to developing relationships with physicians all over the state — in Syracuse, in Watertown, Utica, Binghamton. By doing this, we can really try to integrate highly specialized care into these local communities. I do think this is replicable in other service lines. I don’t think it’s unique for our kind of surgery. Q: What are the facilities going to be like in Oneida? A: So, it will obviously be smaller than the one in Buffalo; however, all of the key cancer center facilities will be available. There will be fulltime oncologists on site, full-time care coordination, full-time nurse practitioner. There will be chemo-infusion services and all of the pharmacy components. We’re looking at ways to add additional cancer services onsite, too. Q: Do you see the bigger Upstate cities being able to collaborate in a similar way? A: Absolutely. I’ve been doing this clinic for a month and a half and I’ve seen patients from Syracuse and Albany. So, we see this clinic as not just providing highly specialized services to patients in Oneida and Rome, but to expand it for the entire region. It’s just not always practical to come to Buffalo, especially in the wintertime. So it’s kind of our outpost for the central, eastern and southern tier parts of the state.
Q: Do you see this as a model that will work for rural communities in general, leveraging the expertise and resources of bigger institutions from bigger cities in the state?
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2017
Q: Who is most at risk for developing liver cancer? A: I deal with two classes of diseases. The first is complex benign diseases and the second is cancer. It turns out that the liver is a
very complex organ. Not only can cancer start in the liver, but it can spread to it. Cancers that start in the liver often develop in patients with cirrhosis, but not always. The most common types of cancer that spread to the liver are colon and rectal cancer, but there are other types that can spread there as well. The complex benign diseases includes things like liver cysts. Those problems can affect almost anyone. Q: How effective do medical interventions tend to be on the diseases you treat? A: Good question. When possible, surgery tends to be the best option for most of the cancers I treat. But in addition to surgery, there are other treatments we offer, like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. We can target chemotherapy directly to the liver, so there’s not as much risk to the rest of the body. That’s really part of the unique challenge. It’s my responsibility to get these patients to the appropriate treatments and get them in the right order. Q: To what degree do you think rural hospitals can meet the new fee-foroutcome reimbursement standards? A: I have done a great deal of work meeting physicians in rural hospitals and have been pleasantly surprised by their capabilities. But for complex cancers and patients who can benefit from multidisciplinary case review and coordination of care by a specialist, that’s where I think we can really make a difference. That’s really my role and that’s why I’m so excited by this opportunity. Patients should only have to come to Buffalo for those complex services. Q: Do you see yourself moving somewhere between Buffalo and Oneida for an easier commute? A: Right now I plan on staying in Buffalo since I’m still seeing patients in Western New York, but more of my partners are going to be involved. We’ve integrated all of our electronic health records, so I can see anything that gets done in Oneida from Buffalo and vice versa.
Lifelines Name: Srinevas Reddy, M.D. Position: Surgical oncologist at Oneida Healthcare; co-director of Liver and Pancreas Tumor Center at Roswell Park Cancer Institute Education & Training: Medical degree from University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, Wis.; residency in general surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, N.C.; fellowship in the hepatobiliary field at the department of surgical oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa. Hometown: Appleton, Wis. Affiliations: Oneida Healthcare; Roswell Park Cancer Center Organization: American Society of Clinical Oncology, American College of Surgeons, American Hepato- Pancreato-Biliary Association; Society of Surgical Oncology Family: Married, two brothers Hobbies: Sports fan, religious activities
Terrifying condition
Men’sHealth
The invisible wounds of PTSD By Barbara Pierce
I
wish my husband had died in the war. He suffers so much; nobody helps him. Ken Falke was stunned as he heard this from a woman after his workshop. Her husband suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. Falke was familiar with the physical traumas suffered by wounded warriors. Early in the Gulf War, Falke and his wife, of Blue Mountain, Va., became acquainted with more and more disabled vets. So moved were they by these wounded warriors, they established a nonprofit organization to help. Then Falke met the woman who brought PTSD to his attention. He began searching to discover ways to help vets with PTSD. Falke, a 21-year Ken Falke combat veteran of the U.S. Navy, is highly respected around the world as an innovative leader on wounded warrior care. “I’m a retired Navy EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) guy, a vet of the First Gulf War,” is how he describes himself. PTSD occurs after someone has been through trauma. It can happen to anyone. It’s a debilitating mental disorder that can result when a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic or terrifying event. People with PTSD usually have persistent frightening thoughts and memories of their ordeal. “I remember the first time I was woken by Simon crying out and eliciting this awful, blood-curdling scream,” said one wife online. “Suddenly he was back in the war zone with a gun in his hand and a woman covered in blood in front of him. He squeezed my hand tightly and wouldn’t let go until morning.”
Oneida, Herkimer in good
PTSD rampant among vets
“There are hundreds of thousands of vets with PTSD,” he said. “As it affects the partner, you’re talking about 2-3 million people suffering.” To help these vets and their families, he began a second nonprofit focusing on PTSD, the EOD Warrior Foundation. “An EOD guy, or explosive ordnance disposal technician, are the guys who disarm explosives,” explained Falke. “The most dangerous job in the military. Everyone runs away from a bomb. The EOD guys run to it to make it safe for everyone else.” “It takes a special man or woman to do this. We see a lot of PTSD in EOD vets,” said Falke.
and
Health MV’s Healthcare Newspaper
“I was a proud and eager Marine, now dealing with the horror of war and death. The pain and memories will never go away, I wish I could sleep one night without nightmares,” said Anonymous online. “I don’t care about spending time with my family, feel distant from everyone. My girlfriend left me because I’m violent and controlling, and I never want to leave the house. I don’t care about nothing anymore,” is how another vet described it. Once referred to as “shell shock,” PTSD first came to public attention through war veterans, but can result from any traumatic incident. It could be something that threatened the person’s life or the life of someone close to him or her. One in five veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars suffer from PTSD. Falke cares about these veterans. He learned that the treatment for PTSD that is approved for the military doesn’t seem to be working well.
Madison
Drawing on the expertise of specialists nationwide, he created new ways to treat PTSD that seem to work better than others. He donated 62 acres in Virginia for a healing retreat and a treatment facility. Vets and their families come for free for a seven-day program. “The place has a lot to do with it; nature is healing,” said Falke. The terminology used at the retreat is different. “Like the military, we call it ‘training’, not ‘therapy’,” he explained. “There’s a stigma to the word ‘therapy’.” “The other innovative thing we do is use combat vets who are licensed therapists,” Falke added. “Often with military PTSD, therapists aren’t sensitive to this culture. Our therapists are ‘guides’.” “We’re seeing good results from what we’re doing,” he added. Any combat vet with PTSD and his or her family is invited to the retreat at no cost. EOD warriors are given priority. Tips to keep in mind with PTSD: — After a traumatic event, it’s normal to think, act, and feel differently than usual for a few weeks. If
your symptoms last longer than a few weeks, are upsetting, and disrupt your daily life, get help. — Whether or not you have PTSD, treatment can help. Talk with your health care professional or a mental health professional. — Symptoms of PTSD include nightmares or flashbacks, avoidance of situations that bring back the trauma, and heightened reactivity to stimuli, anxiety, or depressed mood. — People may experience agitation, irritability, hostility, hyper-vigilance, self-destructive behavior, social isolation, mistrust, insomnia, unwanted thoughts, and withdrawal. Only a health care professional can diagnosis PTSD. Get treatment early, as symptoms may get worse. Treatment can help even though the traumatic event happened years ago. And treatment is improving — if you got treatment before and still have symptoms, try again. To learn more about the EOD Warrior Foundation that supports EOD technicians and their families, see www.eodwarriorfoundation.org.
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Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto Associate Editor: Lou Sorendo Contributing Writers: Patricia Malin, Barbara Pierce, Kristen Raab, Deb Dittner, Pauline DiGiorgio Advertising: Amy Gagliano Layout & Design: Dylon Clew-Thomas Office Assistant: Kimberley Tyler No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher. The information in this publication is intended to complement — not to take the place of — the recommendations of your health provider.
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September 2017 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Men’sHealth Coughing up big dollars Risks of smoking transcend just health implications By Barbara Pierce
T
he cost of smoking is staggering. The cost is shocking, no matter where you live. In New York state, it’s more expensive than anywhere else in the United States. To encourage smokers to kick the dangerous habit, analysts gauged the cost per person of smoking in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. In addition to the cost of cigarettes, analysts added in the potential monetary losses — health care expenditures, income losses and other costs — brought on by smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. Two million dollars: In New York state, the total cost of smoking for a lifetime is $2,313,025! Analysts considered that a
lifetime of smoking begins at age 18, when a person can legally purchase cigarettes, and ends at age 69, the average age at which a smoker dies. That staggering $2,313,025 is based on smoking one pack a day for 51 years. And of course if you smoke more than one pack a day, the cost skyrockets. The total cost per year in New York: $45,353, most of that comes from the cost of cigarettes. — $3,811. That’s how much you will pay for cigarettes in New York state if you smoke one pack a day. One pack a day — 20 cigarettes — comes out to $3,811 per year! What could you do with an extra $4,000 a year? This analysis was done by WalletHub, a personal finance website
What if you could choose?
5 Days or 45 Days
that launched in 2013. WalletHub. com offers free credit scores and reports, as well as the tools and insights that are needed to reach top ‘WalletFitness.’ It also produces research reports on topics that are relevant to personal finance, such as this one on the cost of smoking. Yes, the cost of smoking in dollars is staggering. And you know that the harm is does to your body is staggering also. Smoking is the single largest cause of preventable death and disease in the U.S. It kills more than 480,000 Americans each year. For every death, at least 30 Americans live with a smoking related illness. Quitting is hard. But it’s not impossible. On its website, WalletHub. com offers advice from experts, summarized below. To see all the advice from experts, go to www.wallethub. com and enter “cost of smoking” in its search engine. “Quitting smoking is very hard and smokers typically need to try many times before they quit for good,” says Marie Helweg-Larsen, professor of psychology, Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa.
Everyone one is different
“There is no one method that works for everyone,” she said. “The key for an individual smoker is to think about the many benefits associated with quitting — not just health benefits, but also financial benefits, improved dental health, improved mental health, better relationships at home and work, etc. — and get social support in establishing new habits and relationships.” Steven Branstetter, associate professor, Pennsylvania State University, says one of the worst ways to quit is going cold turkey. That’s something many people fail at, and not a good way to quit. But, he adds, most people who quit have succeeded by going cold turkey. “The most effective strategies are medications and counseling,” adds
hoacny.com
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2017
Scott E. Sherman, associate professor, NYU School of Medicine. “There are seven medications approved by the Food & Drug Administration for quitting smoking — five forms of nicotine replacement therapy (nicotine patch, gum, lozenge, nasal spray or inhaler) and two non-nicotine medications (bupropion and varenicline). “All of the medications either double or triple someone’s chances of quitting smoking in general. Counseling also generally doubles someone’s chances of quitting — and the more counseling the better. Counseling can be delivered by telephone and every state has a free telephone Quitline. Counseling can also be delivered in person (individually or in groups) and by text message. A great place to find quitting resources is Smokefree.gov.” “The combination of medications and counseling is even better than either one alone,” adds Sherman. “Many people try to quit on their own, which can work but is much harder and less successful that using medications and/or counseling. I tell my patients that the tobacco companies have invested so much in getting them hooked, so why not give themselves every bit of help possible.” Kenneth Ward, a professor at the University of Memphis, confirms that the most effective way to quit smoking is counseling combined with nicotine replacement products like Zyban or Chantix. “The likelihood of success is substantially improved with these tools,” he said. New York State Smokers Quitline offers free nicotine patches. See its website at nysmokefree.com or call 866-697-8487. It offers resources and support. Another helpful website is http://www.cancer.org/healthy/ stayawayfromtobacco/index. For the full report on the cost of smoking, go to www.wallethub.com and enter “cost of smoking” in the search engine.
Need to increase sales? Call 749-7070 today!
Men’sHealth
Perplexing Prostate Problems What are your chances of having them? By Barbara Pierce
A
ll men are at risk for prostate problems. That’s because all men have a prostate. For such a little gland, the prostate causes a lot of concern. Like a troubled, war-torn country, it’s in the news all the time and something always seems to be going wrong there, but you don’t really know where it is or why it’s important. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland found only Samad in men. It sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine through the penis. The prostate’s job is to make fluid for semen. Naeem Samad, a specialist in urology with the Slocum-Dickson Medical Group in New Hartford, offers information to help you improve your chances of avoiding prostate trouble. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men (besides skin cancer). About one man in six will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. Keep that number in perspective, though. Because prostate cancer is usually slow growing, only about one in 35 men will die of prostate cancer. The risk for prostate cancer increases with age. About two out of every three men with prostate cancer are over age 65. The cause of prostate cancer isn’t known. Risk factors include having a father or brother with prostate cancer — family history more than doubles your risk. African-American men are more likely to get prostate cancer than Caucasians. According to the American Cancer Society, most cases of prostate
cancer can’t be prevented. This is because the causes of prostate cancer are still unknown. “There are no symptoms of prostate cancer in its early stages,” said Samad. “The only way it can be detected is through an abnormal exam or an elevated PSA.”
PSA testing may be necessary
Prostate-specific antigen tests measure a protein in your blood. Prostate cancer causes elevated PSA levels, but a high PSA level is not always a sign of prostate cancer. Readings may be elevated because of some other reason. “As there are no symptoms of prostate cancer in its early stages, it is important to start getting routine
Dr. Ted Camesano and Dr. Korin Carville are pleased to
exams at age 50,” urges Samad. “If you have a family history of prostate cancer, start at age 40. As a part of your routine exam, your family doctor can feel your prostate gland. If it feels abnormal, he can order a PSA. If that’s abnormal, he might refer you to an urologist.” “In its early stages, it’s very treatable,” added Samad. “There are many ways to treat.” Options for treatment depend on several things, such as how fast it is growing, how much it has spread, and your overall health. For men diagnosed with lowrisk prostate cancer, treatment may not be necessary right away. Some men may never need treatment — just careful watching. The prostate grows naturally
with age, usually without problems. An enlarged prostate is an age-related thing. In men under 40, only one in 12 have an enlarged prostate; men who are aged 50-60 about one in two; for men over 80, the number goes up to eight out of 10 with an enlarged prostate. An enlarged prostate does not lead to prostate cancer and most men don’t need any treatment for it. For some men, it can cause bladder and kidney problems. The enlarged prostate compresses the urethra, making urination difficult. Urinating frequently, especially at night, difficulty getting a urine stream going, or feeling as if you are unable to get all the urine out can result from an enlarged prostate. These symptoms do respond well to medication or other treatment options. A common disease is prostatitis, is an inflammation of the prostate. Often caused by bacteria, it’s a type of men’s urinary tract infection. Prostate infection is rarely serious, but if you have symptoms of prostatitis, see your doctor. Symptoms include pain when urinating or ejaculating; needing to urinate more often; cloudy urine; fever and chills, and pain in the pelvis area. Samad identified other problems that mean you should see your doctor. — Frequent urination during the night: “As we age, we have more problems urinating.” he explained. “If you’re in your 50s and you get up during the night to urinate, this is not a concern. But if it’s more than once, have it evaluated. It could be something that can be treated.” — Blood in the urine: “Blood in the urine is worrisome,” he added. Waiting to see if the blood will go away is not a good idea. Blood even one time is enough to see an urologist.
Welcome
DR. SALINA SUY
to their office at 8 Business Park Court in Utica, NY. Dr. Suy graduated from the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and completed a dental residency at Faxton St. Luke’s Dental Clinic. She has a well rounded background in all aspects of dentistry. We will all have the advantage of utilizing each other’s expertise and look forward to working together.
Dr. Suy is currently seeing patients at the above address. New patients welcome!
315-732-6719
September 2017 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Page 7
Men’sHealth
$100 sweetens pot for colonoscopy Study found those who were offered cash to get cancer screening were twice as likely to do so
Richard M. Cherpak, M.D. I Richard M. Cherpak, M.D. Richard M. Cherpak, M.D. Garth J. Garramone, D.O., F.A.C.P. Garth J. Garramone, D.O., F.A.C.P. GarthBrett J. Garramone, Brett Gandhi,D.O., M.D. R.R. Gandhi, M.D.F.A.C.P Norman R. Neslin, M.D. Brett R. Gandhi, M.D. Norman Neslin, M.D. Robert R.R.Pavelock, M.D. Norman Neslin,M.D. M.D. BradleyR.F. Sklar, Robert R. Pavelock, M.D. Stanley P. Weiselberg, M.D. Robert R. Pavelock, M.D. 116 Business Park Drive, Bradley F. Sklar, M.D. Utica,F.NYSklar, 13502M.D. Bradley p. 315 -624-7070 | f. 315-316-0367 Stanley P. Weiselberg, M.D. info@mveccny.com Stanley P. Weiselberg, M.D.
t appears that $100 might go a long way toward convincing someone to get a colonoscopy. New research found that such a cash incentive doubled the chances that older adults were screened for colon cancer. “Colonoscopy is challenging for patients, requiring a day off from work, a bowel-cleansing preparation, and transportation, in addition to non-financial costs of anxiety and discomfort,” said study author, physician Shivan Mehta, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. “The improvement we saw in the rate of screening colonoscopies was statistically significant, and shows for the first time that a financial incentive can at least modestly boost that rate,” Mehta added in a university news release. Colon cancer kills more than 50,000 people in the United States every year, second only to lung cancer. But most potential tumors can be detected by colonoscopy and removed, usually before they become cancerous, researchers said. The study included more than 2,000 people between the ages of 50 and 64. All were eligible for colonoscopy screening.
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116 Business Park Drive, Utica, NY 13502 Phone Fax p.315-624-7070 315 -624-7070 | f.315-316-0367 315-316-0367 info@mveccny.com mveccny.com
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Some received an email asking them to opt in or opt out of a screening colonoscopy (the simple active choice group). Others received an email with the same message plus an offer of $100 if they had a colonoscopy within three months. A third group (the control group) received an email with just a phone number for scheduling a colonoscopy. After three months, almost 4 percent of those in the $100 offer group had undergone a colonoscopy, compared with 1.6 percent in the control group and 1.5 percent in the simple active choice group. The rate of colonoscopy appointment scheduling was 5 percent in the $100 offer group, 2.1 percent in the control group and 2 percent in the active choice group. The effectiveness of the financial reward may be due to the large amount of money and the fact that it was offered along with easy access for booking an appointment, Mehta suggested. “Although a $100 incentive seems relatively large, this amount is comparable to what employers already offer for completion of health risk assessments or biometric screening activities,” he said. The study was published recently in the journal Gastroenterology.
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Men’sHealth
Between You and Me
By Barbara Pierce
The Four Agreements Adhere to these characteristics and change your life By Barbara Pierce
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his book changed my life!” Robert Moran said of “The Four Agreements” by don Miguel Ruiz. I met Moran when he came to one of my workshops. The 62-year-old resident of Punta Gorda, Fla. read this book years ago, recommended by a friend. “I felt this guy had the Pierce answers I’d been looking for. It seemed like the right way to do things, the right way to do life. My life was pretty screwed up and not working too well for me at the time,” Moran said. The bestselling book, subtitled “A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom,” offers four suggestions or agreements — if you follow them, your life will be transformed. “This is a really simple, really cool, really powerful book,” says philosopher Brian Johnson online. “If you can begin to live your life with these agreements, the transformation in your life will be amazing,” said Ruiz online. “You will see the drama of hell disappear right before your very eyes. Instead of living in a dream of hell, you will be creating a new dream — your personal dream of heaven.” I think the four agreements make a whole lot of sense and I can’t suggest any better guides to change your life. The four agreements are: — Be impeccable with your word: Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Do not judge or blame yourself or others. Do not criticize yourself or others, or gossip. To be impeccable with your word is to be truthful and to say things that have a positive influence on yourself and others. Also, to be impeccable with your word means to honor your commitments and only make commitments that you intend to follow through on. Don’t say you’re going to do something, unless you really intend to
follow through and do it. — Don’t take anything personally: This is big. When you make it a habit not to take anything personally, you avoid many upsets in your life. Each of us see the world in our own unique way, so the way others treat us and what they say about us says more about them than it does about us. Their views are only their views and may be inaccurate. “Nothing that another person says or does is because of you. It is because of themselves. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering,” said Ruiz. Also, taking things personally is the mother of all guilt. When we assume responsibility for something that is not our responsibility, and not under our control, we feel unnecessary guilt.
Don’t assume
— Don’t make assumptions: Many of us make assumptions about everything. We make assumptions and are so convinced that we don’t need to check it out. It’s what therapists call “mind reading.” Then we act as if our assumption was correct, and that can get us in trouble. For example, a friend doesn’t say hi and ignores me at a meeting. I assume he’s mad at me because of that text I sent him. So I respond by withdrawing from him. I don’t contact him. Next time I see him, I ignore him. And we become more distant from each other as a result of my assumption. When, the reason he ignored me at the meeting may have had nothing to do with my text. Maybe his child was seriously ill, or his boss is giving him a bad time. Maybe it had nothing to do with me at all and now I’ve lost his friendship because of my assumption. Don’t make assumptions about anything. Ask questions and clarify. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. — Always do your best: “Your best is going to change from moment to moment,” said Ruiz. “Your best
will sometimes be high quality, and other times it will not be as good.” Those are the four agreements. They may be simple, said Ruiz, but not easy to keep. “It took me awhile to get the hang of it,” said Moran, about how the book changed his life. “It was hard at first. But I really think it’s helped my life go better in so many ways.” “I often want things to change kind of quickly,” says Johnson. “But
this is a slow process.” Your mind has habits that have been in place for years. • Barbara Pierce is a retired licensed clinical social worker with many years of experience helping people. If you would like to purchase a copy of her book, “When you Come to the Edge: Aging” or if you have questions for her, contact her at barbarapierce06@yahoo.com.
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Page 9
Business Spotlight
Dr. Salina Suy, DDS 8 Business Park Court Utica
experiences. Patients love that. We (dentists) talk about it. I feel I am good to my patients and they’re good f a dentist, or any other profesto us. Patient care is our priority.” sional for that matter, wanted to One could describe their shared design a model office, then she or office as having a deluxe feel. Suy, he should check out the digs of Saliwho has been practicing for five na Suy, a new dentist in the Mohawk years, said she loves the large, brightValley. ly lit office that shouts efficiency, Suy (pronounced soy) hit the comfort and cleanliness. Its windows jackpot when she moved into the bring in a lot of daylight and allow Utica Business Park at 8 Business patients to look out on a landscaped Park Court. She became an associate of fellow dentists Ted Casamento and area. The treatment rooms were Korin Carville earlier this summer designed with cabinets where tools after completing her residency at the are stored in surgically clean wraps, St. Luke’s campus of Mohawk Valley and large sinks. “The patients will Health System. see us washing our hands and they’ll Casamento is one of the area’s see us cleaning the instruments,” she veteran dentists with 43 years of practice under his belt, but he proves explained as she and her assistant, Kayla Almond, prepared to welcome very cutting-edge when it comes a patient. to installing state-of-the art dental In addition, large-screen moniequipment and serving his patients tors allow patients to watch in real in a pleasing environment at the time from their chairs as the dentist Dr. Salina Suy, right, is joined by her assistant, Kayla Almond, at her Business Park same time. He designed his latest does a procedure. For example, it can practice in Utica. office. show a cavity or a tooth where repair Suy, a 2016 graduate of SUNY is necessary or explain the process Buffalo, was delighted to find not earning her degree from BOCES. She Buffalo when she completed denMP Order of a root canal. One large monitor at Proposal# he classification of: only mentors in Casamento and Carassists Suy with surgery and most Ad tal school, but a friendship and a the front of the room can be tuned ville, who has practiced dentistry for procedures. Letterlater romance with Albert Tahan, a to music videos if a patient desires more than 20 years, but as associates Suy, 27, has been practicing on classmate from the Mohawk Valley, additional distraction. who accept her on an even footing. patients since she was in dental made her opt for a change of scenery. 2014 They have already sought her feedschool. During her residency at the Tahan, who is the customer service ComfortL isSize: job one back and knowledge of theGRIMALDI, newest Faxton campus, sheContract# worked from manager in his family’s business, Joe Acct# A1ZGFE Sales Rep: JENNIFER HCN6 Ad Id: AMZHMA1 5544766 “They’re bright and cheerful techniques in dentistry, she said. 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., but she usually Tahan’s Furniture in New Hartford, rooms,” Suy added. “That’s the main saw just a handful of patients a day, “That’s what makes (this pracwas one of Suy’s first patients. thing I want to portray. When our tice) so great,” Suy pointed out. “Dr. plus she was called upon for occaBy the time she had completed patients come in here, they’re comCamesano, Dr. Carville and I are a sional emergencies. her residency, Suy was introduced to fortable.” few generations apart. We have a “I worked hard in my residency Casamento and was invited to join Almond, of Utica, has been a lot of knowledge of dentistry that and I worked hard to get patients in his practice. dental assistant for six years after we can share. We give our patients the hospital,” she said. “They weren’t “We talked for several months,” the opportunity to utilize different necessarily elderly. They ranged in she said. “I really appreciate the supage from 2 to 90, but they were, of port he has given me.” course, someone else’s patients. Here The practice has six rooms for Diabetes? I get to establish a relationship with treatment and for staff, which inmy own patients and possibly even cludes three dental technicians and Flat Feet? to watch some of them grow up. three hygienists. The practice is locatPlantar Fasciitis? We’re trying to build a patient-family ed in an interior courtyard opposite You may be eligible for shoes at little or no cost! experience.” the Holiday Inn. She had considered staying in By Patricia J. Malin
I
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2017
1-800-530-2741
www.insighthouse.com
Getting on Path to Recovery Don’t let dreaded demons dominate your daily lives By Kathy J. Peters (Editor’s note: Kathy J. Peters is the advocacy coordinator at the Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc., Utica).
Taking on challenge
The process of recovery is highly personal and occurs through many pathways. It may include clinical treatment, medications, faith-based approaches, peer support, family support, self-care, and others. Recovery is characterized by continual growth and improvement in one’s health and wellness that may involve setbacks. Because setbacks are a natural part of life, resilience becomes a key component of recovery. Hope, the belief that these challenges and conditions can be overcome, is the foundation of recovery. A person’s recovery is built on his or
Finding help for seniors addicted to opioids
Mother may have issue with Vicodin
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eptember is National Recovery Month, and for former addicts who are on the other side of addiction, that’s something they and their families celebrate. By the time they struggle through the depths of addiction, make their way through treatment programs, and find themselves on top of being clean and sober, they have conquered the demon and are ready to leave it behind. But, what does that look like? Peters The recovery component is so vital to the success of staying substance-free. It’s about replacing old, destructive lifestyles with new, healthy ones and surrounding yourself with family and friends who do the same. In the clinical world, recovery is defined as a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential. It is built on access to evidence-based clinical treatment and recovery support services for all populations. There are four main pillars that support a life of recovery: home, health, purpose, and community. Having a home base that is safe and stable is critical. Building and managing a healthy lifestyle also contributes to recovery success. Having purpose in life and filling your day with meaningful activities replaces the negative, destructive behaviors. Finally, building relationships and social networks give you a vital and unique part to play in your community.
By Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior,
her strengths, talents, coping abilities, resources, and inherent values. It is holistic, addresses the whole person and community, and is supported by peers, friends, and family members. The process of recovery is supported through relationships and social networks. This often involves family members who become the champions of their loved one’s recovery. They provide essential support to their family member’s journey of recovery and similarly experience the moments of positive healing as well as the difficult challenges. Families of people in recovery may experience adversities in their social, occupational, and financial lives, as well as in their overall quality of family life. These experiences can lead to increased stress, guilt, shame, anger, fear, anxiety, loss, grief, and isolation. Resilience is also vital for family members, peers, and friends who need access to supports that promote their health and well-being. If you need help with breaking an addiction, we can help. If you have a loved one who needs help, we can support you. Whether you or someone you love is on the road to recovery, you don’t have to go it alone — we are here, we care, and we want to help you be successful in your recovery journey. Call the Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc. at 315733-1709 or visit www.whenthereshelpthereshope.com as the first step in your new life. • Kathy J. Peters is the advocacy coordinator at the Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc., 502 Court St., Suite 401, Utica, N.Y. 13502. For more information, call 315-768-2650 or email kpeters@cflrinc.org.
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I’m worried about my 72-year-old mother who has been taking the opioid medication Vicodin for her hip and back pain for more than a year. I fear she’s becoming addicted to the drug but I don’t know what to do. Concerned Daughter Dear Concerned,
The opioid epidemic is a national problem that is hitting people of all ages, including millions of older Americans. Here’s what you should know and do to help your mother. The Cause The main reason opioid addiction has become such a problem for people over age 50 is because over the past two decades, opioids have become a commonly prescribed (and often overprescribed) medication by doctors for all different types of pain like arthritis, cancer, neurological diseases and other illnesses that become more common in later life. Nearly one-third of all Medicare patients — almost 12 million people — were prescribed opioid painkillers by their physicians in 2015. That same year, 2.7 million Americans over age 50 abused painkillers. Taken as directed, opioids can manage pain effectively when used for a short amount of time. But with long-term use, people need to be screened and monitored because around 5 percent of those treated will develop an addiction disorder and abuse the drugs.
Signs of Addiction
Your mother may be addicted to opioids if she can’t stop herself from taking the drug, and her tolerance continues to go up. She may also be addicted if she keeps using opioids without her doctor’s consent, even if it’s causing her problems with her health, money, family or friends. If you think your mom’s addicted, ask her to see a doctor for an evaluation. Go to the family or prescribing physician, or find a specialist through the American Society of Addiction Medicine (see ASAM.org) or the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP.org). It’s also important to be positive and encouraging. Addiction is a medical matter, not a character flaw. Repeated use of opioids actually changes the brain.
September 2017 •
Treatments
Treatment for opioid addiction is different for each person, but the main goal is to help your mom stop using the drug and avoid using it again in the future. To help her stop using the drug, her doctor can prescribe certain medicines to help relieve her withdrawal symptoms and control her cravings. These medicines include methadone (often used to treat heroin addiction), buprenorphine and naltrexone. After detox, behavioral treatments such as individual counseling, group or family counseling, and cognitive therapy can help her learn how to manage depression, avoid the drug, deal with cravings, and heal damaged relationships. For assistance, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration confidential help line at 800-662-4357, or see SAMHSA.gov. They can connect you with treatment services in your state that can help your mom. Also, if you find that your mom has a doctor who prescribes opioids in excess or without legitimate reason, you should report him or her to your state medical board, which licenses physicians. For contact information visit FSMB.org. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
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Online anxiety Continued from Page 3
assume these are isolated incidents, but sadly, they are not. In 2014, women shared similar stories with the hash tag #yesallwomen to signify the prevalence of harassment and violence both online and in everyday life. In short, while many men do not harass or harm women, most women have faced harassment or harm. As author Margaret Atwood said, “Men are afraid that women will laugh at them. Women are afraid that men will kill them.” Advice — Report concerns to the authorities. “Listen to your gut,” Kardian says, and keep a chronological list of events and activity. “Tell your family, friends, coworkers, and even neighbors what is going on so they can assist you as needed. “When a woman recognizes that she has become the subject of unwanted attention, she needs to immediately begin creating a blueprint for a plan of action for what to do if she runs into the stalker at home, work, the gym, school, a friend’s house, or a place where she socializes.” Consistently scan your surroundings, check the backseat of your car, and change your locks if necessary.
Personal online photo leaks, revenge porn
Nonconsensual personal photos involving over 100 celebrities were leaked in 2014. Most of the victims were women. A man named Ryan Collins gathered the photos, which
35%
then spread across the popular website Reddit. He obtained the photos through a phishing scam that made victims think Apple or Google had requested their online credentials. Another violation of a person’s privacy comes from revenge porn where a person’s ex shares private photos or video of a former partner without consent. Thirty-eight states have revenge porn laws. New York passed a bill in June to make revenge porn a Class A misdemeanor, which could land the perpetrator in jail for a year and with a $1,000 fine. A Time magazine article noted that in one month in 2017, Facebook received over 51,000 reports of revenge porn. A 2016 study found one out of 10 women under age 30 experienced the threat or the action of having an image posted without their permission. Advice — The only way to truly prevent someone from sharing personal images of you is to avoid taking them. If you send photos to someone, there is always a chance that they could be sent to others. The recipient could be hacked, or the person could turn out to be different than you expected. Some people believe Snapchat is a safe way to send such photos because of the expiration time on photos, but there are ways to save these photos. Don’t take a chance! Once it’s out there, it’s out there forever. The Cyber Civil Rights Initiative offers tips and help for removing unwanted images. Visit their website for step-bystep instructions at www.cybercivilrights.org/online-removal.
LOWER UNINSURED RATE THAN THE NEW YORK STATE AVERAGE
Health News in Brief Ophthalmologist joins LFH medical staff Kenneth Novak, a board-certified surgical and medical ophthalmologist, has joined the Little Falls Hospital medical staff. With fellowship training in complex cataract and lens implant surgery, Novak specializes in laser, cataract, lens implant surgery and glaucoma care. Novak completed his resiNovak dency and chief residency in ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa. He specialized in anterior segment surgery during his fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine Cullen Eye Institute and has performed thousands of surgical procedures. In addition to expanding his practice at LFH, Novak continues to provide surgical and medical eye care with Central Eye Physicians & Surgeons in Utica.
Insight House names employee of quarter Julia Hubbard was selected as Insight House employee of the first quarter of 2017. Employees of the quarter are nominated for their reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism
51%
and uniqueness of contribution. Hubbard, of Whitesboro, is the residential director and is responsible for planning, coordinating, supervising and evaluating functions of the agency’s residential chemical dependency program. She joined Insight House in Hubbard October 2015, and was nominated by co-worker Erlene Manning, health care coordinator.
Insight House adds counseling staff Chad Malanoski and Desiree Nemo have joined Insight House in Utica as chemical dependency counselors. Their duties will include providing group, individual and family clinical services. Malanoski, of Little Falls, earned a chemical dependency practitioner-Associate in Applied Science degree from Mohawk Valley Community College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminology from SUNY Albany. Nemo, of Rome, has chemical dependency practitioner and human resources-Associate in Applied Science degrees from Mohawk Valley Community College.
LOWER THAN THE NATIONAL UNINSURED AVERAGE
Across upstate New York, the uninsured rate in 2015 was just 4.6 percent. This compares with a New York state average of 7.1 percent and a national average of 9.4 percent. In 2015, upstate New York’s under-65 health insurance coverage rate was 94.6 percent, already exceeding the federal goal of 90 percent by the year 2025. We’re proud to offer lower-cost private coverage than the national average that helps more people afford coverage. We’re neighbors helping neighbors build healthier communities.
A nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2017
Back to School School bells chime Tips for a smooth back-to-school transition By Barbara Pierce
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ack-to-school time is just around the corner. This can be one of the most stressful times of the year for both kids and parents. Most of us don’t really like change. Going back to school after a relaxed summer is a big change. “With fall just around the corner, I’ve got mixed emotions about school starting again,” says mother Bethany Hardy online. “Although it will be nice to no Perretta longer have to plan 12-hour stretches of entertainment, this anxiety-prone mom is dreading the return of schedules and stress.” Here are some suggestions to help parents make a healthy transition from summer fun to autumn responsibilities. “To get your kids back into the routine of getting up early, start a week before school begins,” advised Nicole Perretta. The mother of children aged 9, 7, 6, and 10 months, Peretta is the president of the New Hartford Parent Teacher Association Council. “Seven-thirty in the morning comes around pretty quickly when you’re used to those late summer nights and late summer mornings,” she said. Ease back into the routine of getting up on time to eat breakfast, get dressed and ready to go out the door with the necessary items for the school day. It’s a myth that kids will go to sleep when they are tired and that they don’t need a fixed bedtime. That’s like assuming that they’ll stop
eating ice cream when they’re full. After the laid-back summer days of sleeping in, your kids will need to reset their internal clocks. Move their bedtime back by one to two hours every few days, and wake them up one to two hours earlier. It could be rough going at first, but is easier than doing it in just one day, especially when that day is the anxiety-causing first day of school. Stick to this plan on weekends also, so you don’t throw off their internal clocks, making the first day of school an even worse drag. — Don’t neglect the routine of mealtimes. Younger children especially need to adapt to new meal routines before the school day demands it of them. Plan meals and snacks to accustom little ones to rituals of the school day before the school year begins. — Plan breakfasts and lunches for the first week. — Plan their outfits for the first few days, and lay them out for them.
Navigate schedules
— The school year floats on a
sea of schedules — school functions, lunch menus, Scout meetings and music lessons. Nothing calms school year chaos like Calendar Central: a centralized site for all family calendars and schedules. It is a one-stop shop for family time management. — Form is less important than function. A paper calendar with large squares lets you enter information easily. White board calendars are easy to revise when necessary. Color-coded entries for each family member help keep everyone’s life straight. — Post the family event calendar in a public place. Add school lunch menus, class assignment sheets, sports practice schedules, etc. to the calendar. — Make a practice run to get kids to school on time. You don’t want to find out on the first day that it takes longer to get to the bus stop than you thought. There’s a positive link between how involved parents are and their child’s improved performance in school. As much as your schedule
permits, take an active role in the school community — going to PTA meetings, coaching extracurricular activities, chaperoning field trips, and assisting in the classroom. “The PTA is a fantastic organization,” said Perretta. “An organization that advocates for all students in all areas, and provides support for parents.” Perretta encourages all parents to find out about the PTA for their schools. “There’s no time commitment; it’s completely up to you how involved you want to become. Join and do what you can. Most schools have monthly meetings. If can’t get to the meeting, ask to see the minutes,” she said. “To find out about the PTA at your child’s school, ask the administration, or go to the website for New York State PTA (nyspta.org). This website has a lot of good resources and a lot of good information,” Perretta added. “Raising children is a team effort, and students benefit from an educational team involving our schools, our community and our families,” says Robert Nole, superintendent of New Hartford School District, online. “Research shows that the more parents get involved in their child’s education, the higher level of success that student can achieve. Parent engagement is paramount, and with it, there’s no telling how far your child can go,” Nole said. “What’s the best way to get involved? Talk to your child’s teacher and school office to see what you can do. Our schools welcome you to pitch in, often with seemingly small tasks that can have far-reaching results,” Nole added.
‘Healthy’ items for the back-to-college checklist
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n addition to backpacks, phone chargers and dorm room decorations, your student’s back-tocollege checklist should include a few items to help ensure their good health during the next school year. “A lot of college students will have to learn how to take care of themselves while they’re sick and away from home,” said Nicholas Massa, corporate medical director at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and also a pediatrician. “To help give mom and dad peace of mind, there are steps they can take now to help their child get the care they need while they’re away at school.” Here are checklist items to consider as you prepare your child for college:
No. 1 — See your doctor for an annual checkup
Students should visit a doctor for an annual checkup. Make sure they’re in good health before venturing off to school. They can ask about caring for themselves while at college and how they should acquire needed prescriptions. Don’t forget those vaccinations, including shots for influenza, meningitis, cervical cancer and whooping cough.
No. 2 — On-campus student health facility?
Check whether the college or university where your student is going has an on-campus student health facility or some other type of arrangement. Learn where it’s located and the hours of operation before
a need arises.
No. 3 — Get the doctor’s contacts
College-bound students should ask their doctors about the best way to reach them while they’re at school. You often get the best care from the doctor who knows you. Ask doctors if they do visits by phone or video chat for those times when your child can’t get to their offices.
No. 4 — Consider a telemedicine visit
Class. Laundry. Homework. Gym. Exam. It’s hard to do all this stuff when you’re sick. Instead, your child can talk or video chat with a doctor for simple, non-emergent medical concerns. While the most ideal care is be-
September 2017 •
tween them and their doctors, or face-to-face with medical providers, telemedicine offers another option for those times when that just isn’t possible. Telemedicine is a lot like FaceTiming or Skyping and can be done from their dorm rooms, apartments or between classes. Students who are Excellus BlueCross BlueShield members can register now for telemedicine so they’re ready to use the app when they’re sick. For more information, go to ExcellusBCBS.com/HealthCareLive. If you need help finding your child a health plan, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has licensed agents to help you over the phone (call 1-888370-7098) and facilitated enrollers you can meet with in person (call 1-800-234-4781).
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The Balanced Body
By Deb Dittner
Seeking the Right Balance Form a well-rounded strategy to stay healthy physicially, emotionally
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re you struggling with your health despite eating well and living clean? Have you been told of thyroid issues, digestive problems, autoimmune or inflammatory conditions? These underlying health problems can be difficult to treat with simply avoiding junk food, eating your greens, and going to the gym. So what else can we do to get your health where you want it to be? Many of you may stress out over the foods you eat. There is no need to over-think what foods you are putting into your body. This additional Dittner stress can cause anxiety and be harmful, leading to chronic conditions such as auto-immunity, adrenal fatigue, gut issues, and more. If you are devoured by stress, it may be time to look at mindfulness tactics to bring some calm back into your everyday life. Being mindful can be incorporating simple breathing techniques, sitting down to a meal without any interruptions while solely paying attention to what you are ingesting, yoga postures, meditation, and emotional freedom technique or tapping. Exercise is important in our wellness program but too much exercise can actually increase inflammation in the body, affecting your immune system and possibly contributing to adrenal fatigue. Exercise creates much needed energy but needs to be in balance with other bodily systems. If you are working out too much and not allowing your muscle fibers to recover and repair, inflammation can increase. Some healthy foods may not be optimal for you. You are an individual and what your body needs may not be the same as what your neighbor’s body needs. Underlying food sensitivities can cause gut issues, fatigue, skin issues, and more. One easy way to deter-
Sugar comes in many forms
You may feel that eating lots of fruit is good for you, but fruit contains fructose that is a sugar, and sugar is sugar is sugar no matter what kind it is. Your body doesn’t know the difference between a doughnut (high simple sugar) and a banana (high fructose). Too much of a good thing — such as fruit — places stress on the liver and can eventually lead to
insulin resistance. An alternative sugar such as agave nectar is high in fructose. Others sugars such as stevia (the white powdered form) are chemically processed and may contain other additives. Xylitol is known to create digestive issues. Raw, local honey and pure maple syrup are better alternatives but still need to be limited to no more than two tablespoons daily. You need to eat a variety of foods and not be limited to only the foods you like most. By alternating your fruits, vegetables, and protein selections, your body will receive a variety of nutrients allowing balance to occur. By changing your food choices, you are also decreasing the possibilities of food sensitivities. I also encourage you to try a new vegetable each week that will allow you more options and provide different nutrients. I know many who take a large amount of supplements daily. Sometimes supplements may be necessary but sometimes you may be taking supplements that are not right for your individual needs or requirements.
• Deborah Dittner is a family nurse practitioner and health consultant. Her mission is to transform as many individuals as possible through nutrition and lifestyle changes. For more information, check out her website at www.debdittner. com or contact her at 518-596-8565.
We are pleased to welcome orthopedic surgeon Kevin Kopko, MD, to the Crouse family.
Meet Our Doctor Page 14
mine what foods work or don’t work for you is to conduct an elimination diet. Foods that can be considered for elimination include dairy, corn, soy, wheat, peanuts, eggs, wheat, caffeine, and alcohol. You need seven-to-nine hours of sleep nightly and many of you, I’m sure, do not get that. Sleep allows your body to repair and rejuvenate. Consider a bedtime routine starting 30 to 60 minutes before your head hits the pillow. Remove all electronics such as television, iPhone, iPad and computer during this time, and consider an Epsom salt bath, soothing cup of tea, soft reading, nature sounds, and a cool and darkened room for a restful night.
Too many supplements can actually cause digestive concerns. Consider speaking with your health care provider about having some blood work to help determine certain needs. Even a few alcoholic drinks per week can cause chronic inflammation in the body. You can still have fun with family and friends by alternating with “mocktails.” An occasional small glass of red wine has also been shown to reduce inflammation. You need to balance your immune system and influence your metabolism with amino acids in order for all bodily functions to work properly. Too much protein though can actually create unwanted side effects. I typically recommend 40 to 70 grams of lean, clean protein daily depending upon your lean body mass. Not only is too much protein not good for you, but too many carbohydrates can also create havoc. Vegetables high in carbs convert to glucose in your body, raising you blood sugar. Alternate your vegetables and don’t forget about your dark, green leafy veggies. Then there are those healthy foods that you may not be able to enjoy because of lectin and phytates. These are natural proteins found in dairy, grains, nuts and seeds, chickpeas and beans. These foods can create inflammation in some people. Another group of inflammatory foods are nightshades such as potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. Eliminating these foods will help in the process of determining what is right for you and your body. The most important information is to listen to your body as that is what will guide you along the paths of your health journey.
Dr. Kopko, now a member of Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon. He earned his medical degree from Penn State College of Medicine and completed an orthopedic residency at Stony Brook University Hospital. He also completed a fellowship in joint replacement surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital. A Syracuse University graduate and former member of the Orange football team, Dr. Kopko is skilled in primary and revision joint replacements of the hip and knee, fracture care, orthopedic trauma surgery and non-operative management of osteoarthritis.
Welcoming new patients! Call 315-251-3163 Learn more at crouse.org/kevinkopko
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2017
Health News MVHS names new employees The Mohawk Valley Health System has added to its staff. • Scott Buddle has been named risk management director for the Mohawk Valley Health System. Buddle joined St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica in 1988 as a nurse assistant and has held positions as psychiatric assistant, psychiatric activities leader and senior activities therapist-behavioral management education coordinator. Buddle Most recently, he served as program director of the department of psychiatry, a position in which he was responsible for all administrative aspects of patient care of SEMC’s 24-bed inpatient acute care, adult psychiatric unit. He received his Bachelor of Science in movement and sports studies from Springfield College in Springfield, Mass., and his Associate in Applied Science in sports medicine from Herkimer County Community College. • Jessica Firsching has been named accounts payable manager for MVHS. Firsching worked as a purchasing agent through Mohawk Hospital Equipment at the St. Elizabeth Campus Firsching for 10 years before becoming a St. Elizabeth Medical Center employee in 2014 as Paragon electronic medical records coordinator. She is also a participant in the 2017 MVHS aspiring leaders program. • Delta Rubsamen has been named volunteer services director for MVHS. In her new role, Rubsamen will oversee all volunteer activities at MVHS campuses. She will also support the Faxton St. Luke’s Rubsamen Healthcare Volunteer Association and St. Elizabeth Medical Center Guild and its board of directors. Rubsamen received a bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University in Bloomsburg, Pa., and a master’s degree from Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pa. • Evelyn Salgado-Parrilla has been named dental services director for MVHS. In her new role, Salgado is responsible for leading the dental residency program administratively as well as precepting dental residents.
Medicine. The MVHS Sleep Disorders Center was the first sleep center in the Greater Utica-Mohawk Valley area to earn this distinction, dating back to 1997. The center is equipped to provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of various sleep disorders, and has been serving the community for more than 20 years with highly qualified professionals and advanced instrumentation. “One of the more common sleep problems is obstructive sleep apnea syndrome,” said Steven Levine, medical director of the MVHS Sleep Disorder Center. “Signs and symptoms may include snoring, periods where one stops breathing or gasps for air, morning headaches, frequent awakenings with need to urinate, problems with concentration and memory, mood swings and a feeling of depression, to name a few. Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious medical condition. Studies indicate that it may result in an increased risk of hypertension, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, diabetes, stroke and other vascular diseases.”
MVHS introduces the da Vinci® Si™ Surgical System The Mohawk Valley Health System recently acquired the da Vinci® Si™ Surgical System. Surgeons at MVHS are using the system for urological surgery, with plans to expand to include surgeries in the areas of gynecologic, thoracic, cardiac and general surgery in the future. Above, Jeffrey Sekula, left and Daniel R. Welchons, of AMP Urology in New Hartford perform procedures using the da Vinci® Si™ Surgical System at the St. Elizabeth campus of the Mohawk Valley Health System. The da Vinci® Si™ System’s immersive 3D-HD vision system gives surgeons a highly magnified view, virtually extending their eyes and hands into the patient. The system allows surgeons to make smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments within the patient’s body. Salgado-Parrilla studied interdisciplinary sciences, pre-dental at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Fla., and earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Puerto Rico, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She completed her general practice residency at FSLH. Salgado is Salgado a member of the American Dental Association, the New York State Dental Association, the Fifth District Dental Society, and the Oneida-Herkimer County Dental Society.
MVHS names new program director Sulien Miller has been named director of the language assistance program for the Mohawk Valley Health System. Prior to joining MVHS, Miller held management and training positions for seven years with a nonprofit language provider in Central New York. She also actively collaborated
with advocates nationwide to promote standard procedures and ethics in the field of language access. She is also an adjunct instructor at Onondaga Community College in Syracuse and at Utica, where she teaches interpersonal communication and Chinese courses. She received Miller her bachelor’s degree from National Chung Hsing University in Taiwan and her master’s degree from the SUNY Buffalo. She is a New York state-certified court interpreter (Mandarin) and holds national certification for health care interpretation in Mandarin from the Certified Commission for Healthcare Interpreters.
Sleep center receives reaccreditation The Mohawk Valley Health System Sleep Disorders Center has received its five-year reaccreditation from the American Academy of Sleep
September 2017 •
MVHS receives cardiac quality award The Mohawk Valley Health System recently received the Mission: Lifeline® Bronze Receiving Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks. Every year, more than 250,000 people experience an ST elevation myocardial infarction, the deadliest type of heart attack, caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. To prevent death, it’s critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by mechanically opening the blocked vessel or by providing clot-busting medication. The program’s goal is to reduce system barriers to prompt treatment for heart attacks, beginning with the 9-1-1 call and continuing through hospital treatment. MVHS earned the award by meeting specific criteria and standards of performance for the quick and appropriate treatment of STEMI patients by providing emergency procedures to re-establish blood flow to blocked arteries when needed. Eligible hospitals must adhere to these measures at a set level for at least one consecutive 90-day interval.
SEMC names director of environmental services Dave Gogola has been named director of environmental services at the St. Elizabeth campus of the Mohawk Valley Health System. In this position, he is responsible for the management and oversight of the environmental services depart-
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Health News Continued from Page 15 ment, including linen distribution. For the past two years, Gogola has served as the evening housekeeping supervisor at the St. Elizabeth campus and has 15 years’ experience in housekeeping and custodial supervision. Prior to joining MVHS, Gogola was employed at Branjen Realty Holdings, LLC Gogola in New Hartford as an outside sales-housing specialist. He has also been employed by Hamilton College in Clinton as both physical plant foreman and as the purchasing department assistant manager. Gogola earned his Associate of Applied Science in public relations and radio-television broadcasting from Herkimer County Community College.
Doctor to join neurology department Ramesh Cherukuri will be joining Slocum-Dickson Medical Group PLLC in New Hartford on Sept. 18 in the neurology department. Cherukuri specializes in neurology and clinical neurophysiology that relates to the functioning of the nervous system. He treats a variety of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, neuromusCherukuri cular function and muscles. These include strokes and intracranial hemorrhages, seizures, migraines, dizziness-vertigo, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, dementia, radiculopathy, plexopathy, neuropathy, myopathy, myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, encephalitis, meningitis, and brain abscesses. In addition to these conditions, Cherukuri diagnoses and treats many other headache disorders, movement disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, peripheral nervous system conditions, neuro-ophthalmological conditions, inflammatory-autoimmune conditions of the central nervous system, infections of the central nervous system and pediatric neurological conditions in children 10 years of age and older. Cherukuri completed his clinical neurophysiology fellowship, neurology residency and internship at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. He earned his medical degree from the American University of Antigua, College of Medicine in St. John’s, Antigua. Cherukuri is a graduate of New Hartford High School. Page 16
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Slocum-Dickson names clinical educator/manager Diana Furner has been named clinical educator-manager for Slocum-Dickson Medical Group in New Hartford. Furner joined Slocum-Dickson in 1998 as a registered nurse working in various departments as needed, but quickly found a Furner permanent home in the cardiology stress lab. As clinical educator-manager, Furner will be responsible for the ongoing education and evaluation of clinical staff and providers. Additionally, she will assume some clinical managerial duties as well as taking on the task of assuring adherence to the standards set forth by SDMG and Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. Furner earned her associate’s degree in nursing from SUNY Tech in Morrisville. She has over 23 years of experience as an RN, most of which were in the fast-paced area of cardiology.
RMH primary care facilities director named Kristen Hutchins has been named the director of Rome Memorial Hospital’s primary care facilities in Rome, Camden and Boonville, announced Rosemel Atkinson, vice president of physician practices at RMH. “Having worked with Hutchins Kristen for years, I am confident in her ability to manage the operation of Delta Medical, Camden Family Care and Boonville Family Care,” Atkinson said. “After working for me at Rome Medical Group for several years, Kristen took on the position of practice administrator at Delta Medical and then added the administrative role at Boonville Family Care to her responsibilities. “She has managed these two primary care facilities so well, I have no doubt that she is the perfect choice for director of all three of Rome Memorial Hospital’s primary care facilities.” Hutchins has more than 15 years of experience working in a primary care office setting, allowing her a perspective of the needs of both patients and care givers. In addition to her work experience, Hutchins has taken several classes in medical administration through Mohawk Valley Com-
Herkimer County HealthNet Program Coordinator Elyse Enea collaborates with Village of Mohawk Supervisor Mike Shedd.
HealthNet collaborating with village of Mohawk
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erkimer County HealthNet has been collaborating with the village of Mohawk on numerous projects that address health and safety issues for its citizens. Through the Local IMPACT grant from the New York State Department of Health, HCHN provided the village of Mohawk with funding to repaint more than 70 village crosswalks and pedestrian signals. According to Elyse Enea, program coordinator at HCHN, “By adding fresh paint we can enhance the visibility of the drivers to crosswalks, but also to be able to encourage pedestrians to utilize them.” In addition to improved crosswalks, HCHN has also provided tick awareness signage for the village to erect in two community parks. The village of Mohawk is taking an active role in educating and protecting park visitors from Lyme and other tick-borne diseases by
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2017
placing signs that include information on how to avoid tick bites, and the various deer tick sizes to enable park goers to identify a tick should they encounter one. The tick information signs were installed to coincide with the time when ticks are most active, which is from late spring to early autumn. Local IMPACT, the NYSDOH program on initiatives for multi-sector public health action, supported the development and implementation of the projects. Local IMPACT initiatives support the statewide goals of improving population health, transforming health care delivery and reducing health disparities. Herkimer County HealthNet partners with HealtheConnections to implement Local IMPACT within Herkimer County. For more information on programs addressing key issues affecting population health, contact Enea at 315-867-1552 or email her at eenea@herkimercounty.org.
Health News Continued from Page 16 munity College.
Sleep Disorders Center receives accreditation The Sleep Disorders Center at Rome Memorial Hospital has earned a five-year accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine assesses sleep medicine facilities to ensure that those in the field of sleep medicine provide excellent health care and enhance the awareness of sleep as an important element for health, public safety and the quality of life. “The credentials of our exceptional team of providers are evidence of our commitment to delivering the highest quality of care for our patients,” said Eileen Luley, director of cardiopulmonary services at RMH. The polysomnographic technologists at the Sleep Disorders Center are registered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists, the highest certification in the field for health professionals who clinically assess patients with sleep disorders. In addition to the highly trained technical staff, pulmonologist Mohammed Seedat, medical director of the Sleep Disorders Center, has earned his board certification in pulmonary disease and sleep medicine from the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Assistant director of residential services named Yanira Sosa was recently promoted to assistant director of residential services at The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter. Sosa attended Keuka College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in social work. She came to The Arc in 2012 by way of a yearlong internship at The Arc’s CollegeSosa Works program in Rome. She was later hired at The Arc as a per-diem employee and eventually accepted a full-time position as a community integration facilitator. From there, she became a vocational rehabilitation counselor in employment solutions, before moving to her most recent position of clinical supervisor in residential services. Sosa is looking forward to her new role. For more information, visit www. thearcolc.org.
VHS selects employee of quarter Pamela Ward of the Valley
Utica-Rome Credit Union Chapter donates multisensory machine to CMN Hospitals at FSLH The Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica recently received a donation of a VECTA mobile sensory machine for the pediatric unit. VECTA is a portable multisensory station to help children feel more at ease while in a hospital setting. The Utica-Rome Credit Union Chapter, a chapter of the Credit Union Association of New York, gifted funds to purchase the machine for the hospital. Members of the Utica-Rome Credit Union Chapter donating the machine are, from left, Courtney Walchusky, Julie Tramacera, Nick Mayhew, Jaime McCloskey and Lori Brown. Each year, the credit unions in the UticaRome Chapter come together to raise funds for a project that benefits CMN Hospitals. Health Services’ nursing department was recently selected as the employee of the second quarter of 2017. Ward joined the staff at VHS on March 19, 1985 as an LPN charge nurse, and she has been a “true mentor and role model ever since,” a VHS spokesperson said. “Pamela has had stellar attendance for over 30 years. Her number-one priority is Ward the residents she cares for. She thinks nothing of stopping her duties to assist with resident care. Pam is humbled by this achievement and says, ‘A nurse is only as good as the people around her. If you have a good staff, then you can achieve milestones’,” the spokesperson added. Ward says she has learned a lot at VHS, and adds, “It has made me become a better person.” She lives with her husband of 34 years and three children in Mohawk. The winner is entitled to several perks over a three-month period.
FNP joins Dolgeville Health Center Linda Belden has joined the medical staff of Little Falls Hospital’s Dolgeville Health Center. LFH is a subsidiary of the Bassett
Healthcare Network. Belden’s practice centers on all aspects of quality and compassionate medical care, including patient physicals, acute visits, and health care maintenance. Belden received her post-master’s certificate in family nurse practitioner Belden in May from SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, and has more than 23 years of nursing experience. Belden resides in Oppenheim with her husband, Ed. They have six children.
She’s a real GEM at Little Falls Hospital Jessica Westbrook-Hayes, clinical lab secretary-processor, is the recipient of the 2017 second-quarter G.E.M. (Going the Extra Mile) award. The GEM award recognizes staff for going above and beyond their typical job duties and making a significant difference by improving the quality of health for those they serve and exceeding customer service standards with patients, clients, guest, and co-workers. “Jessica was nominated for the G.E.M. award for her excellent cus-
September 2017 •
tomer service, going the extra mile for our patients and troubleshooting issues through to completion,” says Stephanie Dyer, director of laboratory. Westbrook-Hayes lives in Ilion with her husband Marv and has been an employee of Little Falls Hospital for 11 years.
Rome Hospital Foundation sets dates Rome Hospital Foundation will hold fundraising events this year as part of its continued effort to support the mission of Rome Memorial Hospital. — In the fall, the seventh annual Brew Ha Ha craft beer tasting will take place at Woods Valley Ski Area in Rome. The event will be held from 4-8 p.m. Sept. 23. The Brew Ha Ha features more than 50 types of craft beer and wine for attendees to sample. — The annual gala is Rome Hospital Foundation’s cornerstone fundraising event and will be held from 6-11 p.m. Nov. 11 at Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona. For more information, contact Rome Hospital Foundation at 315-338-7181 or email foundation@ romehospital.org.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Pauline’s Pieces
By Pauline DiGiorgio
Ways to Wellness
Series explores alternative ways to address healthcare (Editor’s note: The following is the first segment in a series on “Ways to Wellness.� Future segments will focus on cupping, acupuncture and ultraviolet light sauna therapy).
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s I sit outside, basking in the early morning sunlight, I truly realize how important taking time for yourself, “me time�, Ayurvedic medicine, whatever you’d like to call it, is to one’s overall health standing. In the past year, Google searches for “meditation, mindfulness and wellness� have grown 50 percent. It’s not surprising because the health care industry is booming. There is a large focus on aspects like going to the gym and cleaning up your nutrition when you hear someone wanting DiGiorgio to “get fit.� But they are missing out on two very important components to a successful transformation.
Incorporating spiritual practice is often overlooked and can be an extremely positive addition to understanding your body, resulting in a happier, more long-term self-journey. A little “R and R,� or rest and relaxation, is needed in order for proper recovery. In this series, I will touch on alternative and holistic methods that are offered locally. That will hopefully inspire you to explore how beneficial this wellness trend could be for you. For part one of my series on “Ways to Wellness,� I interviewed holistic health guru Paige Pavlot, licensed massage therapist and owner of From the Heart Holistics in Utica. She’s a very talented massage therapist with a strong love of natural ways to improving well being. Her massages are heavenly and have shown amazing health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, increasing muscle tone, stress reduction that correlates to better digestion, and fat loss. Choosing alternative medicine was natural for Pavlot. “I was brought up with my mother healing my cuts with essential oils, natural supplements in the
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morning and living a clean medicine-free lifestyle,� she said. She began revising acupuncture treatments at the age of 14.
Holistic comes first
Her love of horses brought her to SUNY Cobleskill, where she practiced “horse massage.� She then transferred to the Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage to finish her degree. “I always try Paige Pavlot the holistic way first, then if completely necessary, will defer to traditional medicine,� she said. In terms of massage frequency, Pavlot said people should aim for once every couple of months. “No more than 30 minutes of Swedish massage is a great starter for beginners,� she said. Pavlot always starts off her day with a large iced pitcher of lemon, cucumber and mint-infused water. She is also very religious with spraying her “stress-away� essential oil, which is a blend of lime, vanilla and cedarwood. Her favorite essential oils are peppermint and lavender. Shamanic healing is Pavlot’s favorite wellness treatment and one she would recommend to someone embarking on improving their well being. Shamanic healing is a practice done by a shaman healer to restore imbalance that occurs in your body and soul. I was extremely intrigued about this and booked my first shamanic
NancyPeek IS ACCEPTING
NEW PATIENTS
At our Rome off ice
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2017
healing. Pavlot offered some tips for individuals on a strict budget who are trying to incorporate wellness treatments. Massage schools like the Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage do provide discounts for students. Also, she advises maintaining a relationship with your therapist and treatment provider. “I always post specials, discounts and packages on my Facebook page at ‘Paige Pavlot LMT’,� she said. For exercise, she enjoys running, horseback riding and swimming. Her preferred food for fuel is a herb spring mix salad with grilled chicken. “Simply simple,� she said.
• Pauline DiGiorgio is a fitness ambassador and Group X instructor at Retro Fitness gyms. Questions? Email her at ptlifts@gmail.com.
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CALENDAR Health of in good
HEALTH EVENTS
Continued from Page 2
Sept. 14
Laryngectomy support group to meet The Laryngectomy Support Group will hold its monthly meeting at noon Sept. 14 in the Sister Regina Conference Room on the first floor of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center hospital building, 2209 Genesee St., Utica. The support group is sponsored by SEMC. Laryngectomy support group meetings are held at noon on the second Thursday of each month. A laryngectomy is the procedure to remove a person’s larynx and separates the airway from the mouth, nose and esophagus. The laryngectomee breathes through an opening in the neck, called a stoma. The public is welcome to attend. Those with questions can call the speech therapy department at 315801-4475.
Sept. 18
Family support group focuses on addiction Families who are dealing with the problems of addiction can find help and information at a support group meeting from 6-7 p.m. Sept. 18 in the second floor classroom at Rome Memorial Hospital. The group meets the third Monday of each month and is free and open to everyone. Offered by the hospital’s Com-
munity Recovery Center, the support group provides an opportunity to discuss issues with others who are in the same situation. Certified by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, the Community Recovery Center, 264 W. Dominick St., Rome, offers alcohol and substance abuse treatment for adolescents and adults. Open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Friday and from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, the center participates with most major insurance programs, including Medicare and Medicaid. A sliding scale fee is available for self-pay clients. For more information about the support group or the Community Recovery Center, call 334-4701.
MV’S HEALTHCARE NEWSPAPER
EMPLOYMENT Advertise your health-related services or products and reach your potential customers throughout the Mohawk Valley for as little as $90 a month. Call 749-7070 for more info.
Sept. 20
Valley Health Services accepts syringes Valley Health Services is accepting the community’s medical waste of needles, syringes and lancets from noon until 2 p.m. on Sept. 20. The service is available on the third Wednesday of every month. The waste must be in approved puncture-resistant containers available at local pharmacies and properly marked “biohazard.” The containers may be brought to the outpatient receptionist on the ground floor at VHS, located at 690 W. German St., Herkimer. Questions may be directed to Tammi King, infection control nurse, at 866-3330, ext. 2308.
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resbyterian Homes Foundation is hosting its 15th annual Parkinson’s Awareness Walk at 10 a.m. Sept. 23 on the Presbyterian Homes & Services campus, 4290 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford. The walk raises awareness of Parkinson’s disease, with proceeds from the event directly benefiting Parkinson’s programs at Presbyterian Homes & Services. The event’s 2017 honorees and grand marshal is the Abraham family. The Abraham family — William (Bill) Abraham and his children Wade and Marie, Jennifer and Alan
September 2017 •
Rust, and Andrea Sandock — established the William and Rita Abraham Speaker Series in memory of their wife and mother, Rita. The speaker series brings experts from around the country to offer education and insight on Parkinson’s disease. This year’s walk will feature a full day of activities, including complementary breakfast. Pre-registration will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 22 in the administrative conference room at Presbyterian Homes & Services. Registration is also available on the day of the walk beginning at 9 a.m.
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Wednesday, October 18, 2017 Reception & Hors d’oeuvres - 6:00 PM
Dinner & Program - 6:45 PM
RADISSON HOTEL 200 Genesee Street Utica, New York
BUSINESS HONOREE Albert Pylinski, Jr Executive Vice President/CFO NYCM Insurance
PUBLIC SERVICE HONOREE Robert M. Palmieri Mayor City of Utica
MASTER of CEREMONIES Steve McMurray General Manager WKTV News Channel 2
Fax: (315) 735-9184 Page 20
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IN GOOD HEALTH – Mohawk Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2017
PRESENTER Representative Claudia Tenney New York’s 22nd Congressional District
CHAIRMAN Sam F. Bernardino, III Morgan Stanley Wealth Management